Pomona: Kurt Johnson wins

POMONA, Calif., Feb. 4, 2001 - One race does not a season make, but
Kurt Johnson firmly established his new ACDelco Cavalier as a frontrunner
for the 2001 Winston Pro Stock championship with a dominant performance
today at the season-opening ...

POMONA, Calif., Feb. 4, 2001 - One race does not a season make, but
Kurt Johnson firmly established his new ACDelco Cavalier as a frontrunner
for the 2001 Winston Pro Stock championship with a dominant performance
today at the season-opening AutoZone Winternationals. Kurt Johnson and his
ACDelco teammates celebrated in the NHRA winner's circle for the third race
in a row after K.J. defeated Darrell Alderman in the final round,
6.912/200.44 mph to 6.936/200.41.

"The margin was 17 thousandths of a second at the finish line, and he
was right on my bumper," said Johnson. "When I staged, the sun was in my
eyes, but I pulled off a .450 reaction time, my best light of the day. It
was perfect!"

After winning the last two races in 2000, Kurt kicked off the new
season with his 22nd career victory and his third career win at Pomona
Raceway. Johnson's aerodynamic Cavalier topped 200 mph on eight straight
runs, setting the track speed record at 202.18 mph.

"We're exceptionally happy about the new car," said Kurt. "My hat's off
to GM for putting this project together. You never know what to expect out
of a brand-new car, especially when the track conditions start changing
like they did today. My hat's off to my team, Jeff Perley and Joe Caudle,
for making the right decisions."

Johnson dispatched new Dodge Boy Mark Osborne in the first round, 6.887
to 6.954, and defeated Mike Edwards in the second round, 6.895 to 6.918.
Kurt recorded a 6.884, the quickest e.t. in eliminations, in the semi-final
round en route to a crucial victory over No. 1 qualifier Bruce Allen.

"This season is going to be the toughest ever," Johnson
predicted. "Whoever works the hardest is going to be ahead when we come
back here in November."

Johnson will be aiming for his fourth straight victory when the
Winston Drag Racing Series resumes in Phoenix on February 15-18 at
the Checker-Schuck's-Kragen Nationals.